Uber and Waymo Begin Countdown to Launch in Austin Next Month.
You can now sign up for the waiting list.
Users in Austin can now sign up to gain priority access to the new autonomous vehicles (AVs) that Uber and Waymo will launch next month. Recently, Uber introduced a new feature in its app that allows users to join a list of interest. This option offers users the chance to receive updates from Uber and increases their chances of being paired with a Waymo autonomous vehicle at launch by opting for AV preference.
Additionally, the app showcased a co-branded vehicle from Uber and Waymo, highlighting their collaboration, which will allow Waymo's autonomous vehicles to exclusively join Uber's fleet. Signing up for the list of interest will enhance the likelihood of being assigned a Waymo AV.
During the fourth quarter 2024 earnings call, Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi stated that the company plans to begin operations with Waymo in Austin next month and in Atlanta by summer. Uber has been making significant investments in the robotaxi market in recent years, and Khosrowshahi expressed optimism that Uber is in a unique position to capitalize on the over $1 trillion opportunity that autonomy can generate in the United States.
To date, Uber has established partnerships with 14 autonomous vehicle companies, including both consumer vehicle manufacturers as well as delivery robots and autonomous freight trucks.
Soon, residents of Austin will be able to request an Uber and find a driverless car waiting for them. Initially, Waymo vehicles will cover 37 square miles of Austin, with plans to expand coverage in the future. The fare for Waymo AVs will be the same as that of a conventional Uber (UberX, Uber Green, Uber Comfort, or Uber Comfort Electric). Once the vehicle arrives, it can be unlocked using the Uber app for boarding.
To join the list of interest, users need to have the latest version of the Uber app and follow the path: Account > Settings > Ride Preferences > Autonomous Vehicles > Join the Interest List.
